Those Who Can... Tweet!

Social Networking and Social Media have blown up as career choices for young people, but what about those of us who are knee-deep in our chosen career and want to make use of those tools? In 28 Creative Ways Teachers are Using Twitter, that appears on www.bestcollegesonline.com, fantastic ideas are thrown out about how teachers can use Twitter to enhance their instruction.  I like the idea of instant feedback from my students, especially the ones who may be too bashful to speak up in class.  About 3 years ago, a colleague had told me about Twitter and recommended that I download TweetDeck on my computer.  I did it immediately and had "Twitter Fridays" with my level 2 Spanish students.  Those students are now seniors (I had them as freshmen) and still using it!  I would tweet a question in Spanish and students (either using a laptop or their phone) would respond in Spanish. They considered me a technological genius (and I didn't tell them any differently)!!  Now, with the changes in internet safety, Twitter is blocked in my district as a social networking site, so we're unable to use it in the classroom.  However, to connect with my students outside of the classroom regarding events inside of my classroom, I would certainly not be opposed to using it!

In his blog post entitled, Twitter for Teachers – a professional development tool, Paul Hill emphasizes the importance of developing a PLN (Personal Learning Network) and throwing your ideas out there to develop and evolve as a professional.  Since I've had my "professional" Twitter account (just a week or so), I've followed educators that I've found interesting; some of whose ideas make sense and some whose perspectives I wouldn't normally have found unless I reached out into the interwebs.  To maintain my professional certificate in my state, I need to have 175 hours of Professional Development every 5 years.  I can find 175 hours of PD using Twitter in about two months!  I can't use the time I spend on the service for my PD, but it does give me ideas on how I can make my professional life more productive!